Clariant to Increase Mild Surfactant Capacity in Europe and the US

Clariant is increasing production capacity for isethionate derivatives - Hostapon SCI - mild surfactants to support the growing shift towards using mild surfactants to differentiate applications of personal care formulators and brands. It also supports rising consumer trends in hygiene products. Investments in facilities in Europe and the US will bring additional production capacity in the first quarter of 2021. Christian Vang, Head of Global Business Unit Industrial and Consumer Specialties, comments: "As a leading company in specialty chemicals for personal care, Clariant continues to support and invest in the latest trends in the sector. Mild surfactants are a valuable and growing sector in terms of helping formulators with gentle cleansing hygiene, sensitive skin solutions, solid formats and more natural ingredients - driven by consumers demanding new softness qualities." [caption id="attachment_101610" align="aligncenter"] The Tarragona facility pictured above will increase mild surfactant capacity in the US and Europe. (Photo: Clariant)[/caption]  

Clariant's Hostapon SCI grades are natural, anionic mild surfactants. Plant-based, non-irritating, ultra-mild and compatible with a range of eco labels recognized by industry, they create formulations with creamy, stable foam.

They form part of Clariant's most comprehensive mild surfactants portfolio in the sector for skin cleansing, hair care and baby care applications. Each delivers high levels of cleansing performance and specific foam types or thickening behaviour to products, supported by different formulation benefits and consumer properties. As a global expansion, the investment targets capacity increases and general modernization of existing facilities at Holly Mountain (US) and Tarragona (Spain) production plants. Overall asset modernization will optimize energy consumption and consolidate options for new SCI grades (different carbon chains). Ralf Zerrer, Head of Global Business Unit Strategic Marketing and Innovation Industrial and Consumer Specialties, states: "We are pleased to announce this long-term strategic investment. Together with our introduction of Glucamides sugar surfactant technology in recent years, the increasing popularity among our personal care customers in developing gentler and healthier solutions positions Clariant as one of the innovative leaders for the future of mild surfactants." Hostapon® is a registered trademark of Clariant in many countries.